The Blue Angels

Recently our local Naval Base had their air show. Which was spectacular. There were lots of acrobatics in the air, some on the runway, and lots of food vendors. The traffic coming into the base took 1.5 hrs, where normally it takes 15 mins. Needless to say, we missed closeups of a few of the attactions. But because most of them are aerial displays, we were able to watch much of it from the car!! My favorites and most likely everyone else's there too, are the Blue Angels. The Navy's premier acrobatic team. It's a six man/plane team, with #7 being the spare. It's simply amazing to watch these jets zoom by each other at high speed and miss each other. They flew straight up, in formation, upside down and sideways. It was skill and grace in the air. I loved it. Here's a little of what we saw. I look forward to when they will be back again.

Woods behind my Home - March 10th (Subsitute photographer)

My youngest DS took these pictures of our back yard after the snow melted. The trees look so skeleton like without their leaves. When spring comes, each of these hundreds of branches will be covered with leaves and you can't see two feet into the woods. I love these pictures he took.

If you look really carefully, you might see a plane!

From 13" of Snow to This! - March 9th

My youngest DS had a field trip to the beach today. Yup, you read right. A Beach. The weather was a gorgeous 72 deg. A few days ago, we had 13' of snow and today we're at the beach. A bit windy, but stunning nevertheless. It wasn't just a beach trip. Nope, it was a learning trip! We learned why we shouldn't go into the water even though the air temp is warm. Also, we learned about animal habitats, and why birds migrate. It was actually really really cool. I chaperoned my son and two of his classmates. P.S., this pic is taken with my new camera!

Turkey Buzzard! - March 8th

I saw him sitting on one of my trees today. He sat and sat and sat on the tree, so I figured why not try and take a pic of him. Wouldn't you know it. Just as I took his picture, he started to fly away. I don't much care for him just sitting there, but my gosh, as he flew away very very slowly, he was quite graceful. And what a wing span. He was actually quite beautiful. On a field trip my kid took, I found out that vultures are the only ones when they fly, their wings shape up like a "V".

I've Got A New Toy - March 7th

I got a new toy today - a Canon Power Shot. Slim enough to carry around anywhere in my pocket! I love it. I had gotten a camera for Valentines day, a hot pink fuji. I ended up returning that one because I didn't like the pics I got from it. Loved, loved the color, but not the pics. I held off buying another camera, because I was looking for another pink one. I know this one isn't pink, but, I didn't like the faded looking pink canon, so opted for this pretty blue one. When I was looking for cameras around Valentines day, I noticed that the pink ones were more expensive than the other colored ones. The sales clerk told me that the pink ones went up in price a week before valentines and wouldn't come back down for a few weeks!

All's Quite - March 6th

It's a very warm 65 degs. today and all the snow is melting. There are some amazing icicles being formed all along the rooftop and here's one that fell. Ouch. Wouldn't want to be anywhere close to these when they fall. Also, everyone's back to school and DH is at work. It's quite in the house again. I remember when the kids went back to school after summer, how I hated the quite. Now, I look forward to it! Even though, it's only Friday and tomorrow, they'll all be back, it's nice to be able to think of a thought without interruptions! lol

Back to School - March 4th

There's my oldest going back to school after being home for all that snow. He's hard to see, but he's all covered up and bundled up like he's in the coldest north! But this one will wear a hoodie in 90 deg. weather!!!

And you ask where is the younger one, well, here he is. Sick and at home. Nasty cough and cold. Ahh, the joys of winter!

Schools OUT - March 3rd

No School Today! Woo Hoo!! The kids had a great day snow fighting and just playing outside today. The cars got a little cleaner, the driveway got a little shoveled and I got a few shots. A fun day for everyone. Oh, and DH went in to work a little late!

All that snow, and this is the snowman I got!! lol

Winter Wonderland!! - March 2nd

We woke up today to a stunning landscape. A true Winter Wonderland!! The weatherman was wrong. We were predicted to get between 6" - 12". We actually got 13". WOWZA. The most in our area. It's Sunday and so everyone is home and able to enjoy this gorgeous last hurrah from winter. This is a look from my backyard.

My youngest DS and I took a walk outside and this is what we saw in our front yard. I can't even begin to put into words how stunning it is. Totally awe inspiring.



My DS and I took a walk down the road and then back home. The road was a bit better since people had driven down it, but our own driveway was full of snow and breath taking! I know I keep saying that, but it's true. Every turn of the head brought so much beauty, I just stood still...till my hands litterally were freezing and I was afraid I'd drop the camera.

Here Comes the Snow - March 1st

Here comes the snow. This is at 5:30 p.m. It's snowing big fat flakes from the get go and is sticking to the ground. Checking the weather channel shows that we're definitely getting at least 6" and more than likely about 10".

This is at 11:30 pm, and we've got 8" on the ground!!!! WOW. It is stunning outside and I'm so glad my whole family is safe at home. There are about 12,000 people without power, but we're one of the lucky families whose got full power. A friend of my husband's is on his way back home. A two hour trip so far has taken him six hours and he's still not home!

Anticipating Rain - February 28th

Weather man says we'll get between 6" - 12" of snow tomorrow. Yeah. I believe that! How often have they actually been right! I didn't buy anything extra for snow prep this time. I went grocery shopping a couple of days ago, so we're totally stocked up, so I'm not worried. It did rain all day today. Very cold rain too. So, if it does snow tomorrow, it will stick!

Catching Up! - February 27th

This is how I feel at the moment!!! Lol. It's tough to work on today's pics when I'm still catching up on February's pics. Most of the household was sick in February and then when we did feel better, there was so much household work to finish. I just wasn't in a frame of mind to get online. I kept meaning to, but I guess I'm going to have to admit it, I procrastinated. Now look where I am. A month behind!! Ouch. So, here's my game plan. I'm going to post my March pictures (at least stay current). Along with March, I'll pepper February's pictures. That way, I'll stay current and catch up! So, no more procastinating.
Stamp Saying is by: Morning Star Stamps

Mall Cops - Day 38

My youngest DS and I went to go see Mall Cop. He'd seen enough commercials of it on Nickolodean and wanted to see it. No one else wanted to go, so he and I went in the afternoon. As you can see, the afternoon ticket price was excellent. We saw the movie for $8.00. But, the concession cost us $19.00!! That's for a nachos and soda for me, and a kids tray (popcorn, candy and drink) for him. Ouch! Highway robbers were at least honest about looting you of your dough!!! P.s., the movie was actually not so bad. Had some funny parts for me. And my DS loved it.

Ailing Truck - Day 37

Yesterday was DH's checkup, today is the trucks. It's having alignment and battery issues! Won't start up and when it does, it won't go straight. Hmm, if it was human, I'd say it was a bit drunk!! So, today we took it to a local shop and when we got it back this afternoon, it was all charged up and driving right between the lines. A few days ago, we had to get it's door fixed. It was falling off its hinges!! Still, the truck is pretty good for it's age (12) and a good workhorse too. P.S., the pic is of one of our fall days.

Doodled Bookmark - Day 36

Another Doctor's visit, and another doodling. This time a bookmark. Everyone is still under the weather, but hopefully, getting better. This is a routine checkup for my DH and I've gone to keep him company. P.s., everything came out pretty good, except for cholestrol.

Black Birds - Day 35

Finally, a beautifully sunny day. Except there was tons of shadows flying around in the sky. Looked like well over a hundred black birds were everywhere. They didn't sit still for any length of time, but while they were there, it was a sight worth watching!

Traffic! - Day 34

Traffic as far as the eye can see on both sides of the road! I'm so glad I'm nearly home. There never seemed to be any traffic when we moved here, but like most areas, with the growth of the past few years, it seems there are more cars, less patient drivers and lots more accidents. I was actually ticked at this because I'm in the left lane ready to make a left and the oncoming traffic has blocked the intersection!! Not like blocking the intersection is going to get them wherever they're going faster!

Woody Wood Pecker - Day 33

Finally got a pic of that camera shy Woody Wood Pecker! Or maybe I never get a shot of him because the squirrels eat all the bird food before the birds get to it!!

Superbowl Feast - Day 32

Today is Superbowl Sunday. It's just the four of us, but everyone was in a party kind of mood. O.k, maybe it was just my husband and youngest DS!!! The older DS got in the mood when he saw the vegetable platter and the pizza. Not much of a football fan, that one! I cut up some veggies and fruits and ordered pizza. Easy Peasy! Pizza places in our area were asking that we place orders at least 2-3 hours in advance. It was a lot of fun to eat and to watch the game together. P.S., my husband was rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers and they won! Woo Hoo. So, I guess that means that this superbowl party is going to be a tradition for us..

Snow Covered Daffodil

A while ago, I posted a picture of this very same daffodil. I was wondering if it was spring already because this lone daffodil had raised its head above the mulched ground. Today, it looks a bit more in season covered in a thin layer of snow. But, instead of being a lone daffodil, it has lots of company. I wonder if the others popped their heads up too, so it wouldn't be so lonely.

More Strep and more Snow

Is that an odd title or what. But, a true one. I took my youngest in today for a strep test (as his older brother tested positive yesterday). Yup, he ended up having it too. So now he's on antibiotics too. Oh, and here's the best part of this deal. My hubby's been complaining of sore throat too, but didn't want to go to the doc to check it out. The pediatrician recommended that both of us do a regime of antibiotics too. So, we called our doc., and of course, he agreed. So now all the adults and the kids are on antibiotics. Hmm....great family bonding, huh? No one misses their dose because at least one of us remembers and reminds the other. Yup, we're guzzling pills together and on schedule!

Now for the bit of snow we got. Can you spot that squirrel. Mother nature is wonderful in its camoflauge abilities. His coloring sure match the tree. He froze when I got my camera out. Wonder what he was thinking! He stayed like a statute for a very long time, even after I got my pic.

My survival kit While I Wait

It seems lately I've been doing a lot of waiting. Mostly, at the doctor's. Today, I took my oldest to the doc. He'd been complaining of sore throat, headache, and now ear pain. I figured sinus and thinking it most likely had progressed to an ear infection. The waiting room at my pediatrician is always full and the wait is extremely long. So, to fill my time, I made myself a new survival kit. An ipod loaded with my favorite songs (one's I can sing with, off key, of course!) I love to doodle, and here's a few samples of what I doodled. Anyway, once we got in to see the doc and he checked things out, this is what we found. But guess what. Clear lungs, clear ears, and visabily clear throat. So, the doc did a throat swab. Guess again, yup, it popped up positive for strep! No connection to the ear ache I originally took him in for. So, he is now on a 10 day antibiotic regime. Oh, and here's the kicker, as the youngest was complaining about sore throat too, I'm bringing him in tomorrow and doing this waiting all over again!!

Snow Pics - Day 28

It snowed all day today and there was no school. The kids were home and it was a bit noisy. So, I went walking in the neighborhood and took some photos. It's so peaceful at the moment. This looked so vintage to me. I took a bunch of different angles, until I could isolate just the swing with the trees. It looks fantastic in black and white too.
This shed with all its neatly stacked wood makes me feel like I'm living in a very cold place. The truth is, it's been stacked like that for ages, and the owner probably only uses a few of those pieces per year!


A lone pine cone covered in the cloak of winter snow.

Schools Out Early - Day 27

Kids were let out three hours early today due to snow. We've been forecasted to have snow so many times and the roads have been salted each of those times, but to no avail. No snow, no flurries, no nothing. So this time, when the weatherman said "snow", the city decided it was a false alarm and didn't salt the roads!! Here's the really funny part. When my youngest was being picked up for school, his bus driver told us that she'd be turning around and bringing him home shortly! Not because of the amount of snow, but because the roads were so slick and full of accidents.

Ah, A Quite Day for Me - Day 26

It's finally a quite day for me. Everyone is back to feeling 100%. Hubby's at work, and the kids are at school. I could get some bills paid, or some swaps done, or some dinner made. Nah, I think I'm going to curl up with my blanket, hot chocolate, snacks and catch up on all my dvr'd shows!

My DH's Other Love - Day 25

P61 Black Widow
When I got married, I realized that besides me, my husband loved model building. He'd been building since he was in his early teens. He's really very good at it. These planes come in little kits as you can see in the "before" picture. It takes him a very long time (months even) to finish it. He's very meticulous in his research. Has an amazing amount of books and reference material so he can be accurate. He's lent his technical knowledge for a book and has contributed his photos for other books. His models, when he enters them, have won awards. For this P61, he even made that cool base using bricks from dollhouse accessories!

My Youngest DS picture 2 - Day 24

My youngest loves taking pictures. He's been taking it quite seriously that since I'm not up to taking pics today, he'll take some. After taking quite a few of these feathers from different angles, he took this one. I think he did a fantastic job. I'd like to enter some of his pictures into the county fair later this year. He would be in the junior junior category (under 10). What do you think?

Substitute Photographer - Day 23

I've been under the weather a wee bit and so my youngest DS has stepped in and is filling in for my photos. He's loving taking pics of everything in the house, including our pet, remington. Rem.'s 11.5 years old, and thinks he's a sibling, not a pet! We adopted him from a pound when he was about 2-3 months old. He's a a lab/shepard mix. Those eyes could melt any heart, especially when he's begging for scraps. We all know it's no good for the dog to have any, so I wonder why he's always licking his chops around the dinner table!!

My Dinner - Day 22

It's a cold 40 degrees outside tonite. My husband wanted to know what was for dinner. I told him, I was having a banana split for mine! A banana split, he said, it's freezing outside. I told him I figured that if I equalize the temperature inside and outside of my body, then I won't be so cold anymore. I got my banana split!!

Bird Food Isn't Just for Birds Anymore - Day 21

We have quite a few birds in our back yard and try to put up various kinds of bird feeders, including, birdfood trays, seed huts, and this woodpecker seed cage. These feeders are always full of bluejays, cadinals, yellow breasted titmouses, woodpeckers, hummingbirds and many more beautiful birds. But today, my DH caught this unusual species of bird!! Quite the gymnast..

Inauguration 2009 - Day 20

What a history making day today is! I live close enough to Washington DC to feel the excitement vibrate in our area, but like most of us Americans, I'm glued to the TV. Whichever side of the fence you were when it came to voting, no one can deny that it is a history making day for us all. Today, race was not an issue, and perhaps tomorrow, gender won't be either. I but pray that in the future, our children won't be burdened by their ancestery, their skin color, or their gender, but step forth and succeed because of who they are!!

In my backyard - Day 19

I love the animals that we have in our backyard. There are a ton of deer at all time, but catching them clearly is a bit tricky for me. I have a ton of pictures of them, but either it's too late at night, or they move too quickly, or....well, you get the picture. These two were a bit far away, but they decided to stand still for me. I guess they figured, with their coloring they probably blended in well enough with the woods. Come spring, there should be a lot of babies around. So expect to see more of these animals in the future!

Swan Lake - Day 18

It's been a dreary day today and I was in the dumps a bit, so I decided to take some pics. to cheer myself up. I'd seen frozen lakes in the area and decided to check them out. So my DH drove me around. Instead of frozen lakes, I found Swan Lake!! A lake full of swans just lazing away a chilly afternoon. I was kind of miffed that all I could get was a far off shot, so DH drove around till we were able to get a closer pic. Sure did fix my mood seeing these beautiful birds!